Devotion: So You Want to be a Disciple, Do You?

These devotions tap into the Star Wars mythos in order to creatively engage youth in discussion on what it means to be a disciple for Jesus.

“So you want to be a disciple, do you?”

Text: Matthew 11:25-30

DVD Clip: Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Set-up: In this clip Obi-Wan Kenobi, in front of the Jedi Council, announces that he is going to train the young Anakin Skywalker based upon the reluctant approval of the council.

Discussion Questions:

In the Star Wars universe, what does it mean to be a padawan learner?

When you hear the word “disciple,” what images come to mind? Why? How is this like a padawan learner?

How might the word “discipline” relate to the word “disciple”?

What positive or negative images are conjured up for you in relation to the word “discipline”? Explain.

Read: Matthew 11:25-30

Background: From a Jewish context, to be the disciple of a rabbi or teacher meant that you not only sought to learn all that your teacher knew, but to also be like the teacher. In this text Jesus is contrasting His grace-based discipleship to the law-based discipleship of the Pharisees.

What does discipline as a disciple look like in light of these words of Jesus?

How might the “yolk” relate to the cross of Jesus? What does it mean to be a disciple in light of this image?

How might that “burden-light” discipleship look like in your daily faith life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for calling me to the life of discipleship. When I am feeling overly burdened let me remember Your call to be my burden-bearer. In Jesus’ name, amen.